Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error related to potential toxic exposure claims, and for clarification of the Veteran's TERA exposures.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at a 10% disability rating effective February 19, 2020. The claim for a higher rating before that date is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension and increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examination.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date and denied his request for a compensable rating for hypertension. The Veteran's hypertension was found to not meet the criteria for a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for hypertension, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic cough, claimed as shortness of breath, is granted. The Board found that the Veteran has a qualifying chronic disability (a MUCMI) and that her symptoms have persisted for at least six months. Service connection is therefore established.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to service and the claim for service connection has been granted. The claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, CAD, GERD, kidney disease, sarcoidosis, and OSA are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for hypertension before the decision was made.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred during service, including due to toxic exposure. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's chronic headaches are granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis. Service connection for CFS and fibromyalgia is denied due to lack of objective evidence meeting the criteria.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's diastolic pressure is predominantly 100 or more and requires continuous medication for control. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension and atrial fibrillation due to a failure to obtain relevant private medical records, specifically those from Dr. J.D.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute hypoxic respiratory failure, cardiogenic shock, and pea cardiac arrest with a likely neurological versus respiratory etiology. The service-connected hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease (CAD) are presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicide agents in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.,Tinnitus was granted as the Veteran has provided credible testimony and medical evidence linking his tinnitus to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of VA examination for hypertension, which is related to service in Southwest Asia. The PACT Act requires a medical opinion if the Veteran served in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA).

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, CAD, and DM on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in service. The Veteran's claims are based on the PACT Act of 2022 which added Guam as a location where herbicide agents were used.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been denied due to the lack of evidence showing current tinnitus.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been withdrawn and dismissed as per the Veteran's request.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal of the denial of service connection for hypertension before a decision was made.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as service-connected.,His hypertension, currently rated at 10 percent, is increased to 20 percent.